In previous interviews, Edward Gitau said he started illustrating in 1940 after being inspired by a Mickey Mouse cartoon against all odds because Africans were not allowed into the movie theaters at the time.

Juha Kalulu's casket is lowered into the grave at his final resting place in Gatundu. Photo: Njoroge wa Njogu/Facebook

The longevity of his career demonstrated to a generation of artists in the country that there was future in illustrations as a career.